Garlic and onion peels often end up in the trash, but they are surprisingly useful. Here are some creative and sustainable ways to reuse these peels in your kitchen, helping you save money and reduce waste.

1. Make Homemade Broth

Garlic and onion peels can add depth and flavor to homemade broths and stocks. Simply collect and save these peels in a freezer bag until you have enough to make a broth. Add the peels to a pot with other vegetable scraps, herbs, and water, and simmer for an hour or more to extract all the flavors.

2. Create a Natural Dye

Onion peels can be boiled to produce natural dyes. Yellow onion peels yield a beautiful range of earthy orange and rust colors, while red onion peels can give soft lavender to deep violet shades. These dyes can be used for coloring fabrics, yarn, or even Easter eggs.

3. Enrich Your Compost

Garlic and onion peels are excellent additions to compost. They break down quickly and add essential nutrients to your compost pile. However, ensure your compost is well-balanced with other green and brown materials to avoid any unwanted smells.

4. Repel Pests in the Garden

Onion peels contain sulfur compounds that are natural pest repellents. Spread the peels around plants that are susceptible to pests like aphids and moths. This is a great way to keep pests at bay without using harsh chemicals.

5. Boost Plant Growth

Garlic and onion peels can be used to make an infusion that benefits plant health. Fill a jar with the peels, top it with boiling water, and allow it to steep overnight. Strain and use the liquid to water plants. This ‘tea’ is rich in nutrients and can act as a natural fertilizer.

6. Flavor Enhancer

Roast garlic peels along with potatoes or other root vegetables to add a subtle garlic flavor. Onion peels can also be added to marinades or dry rubs to impart extra flavor during the cooking process.

7. Antioxidant-Rich Tea

Interestingly, onion peels are high in quercetin, a potent antioxidant. You can make a healthy tea by boiling onion peels in water for several minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy. It’s known to help reduce hypertension and protect against clogged arteries.

Conclusion

Reusing garlic and onion peels not only helps in reducing kitchen waste but also offers numerous benefits, from making nutritious broths to natural pest repellents and dyes. By incorporating these sustainable practices, you contribute to a healthier environment while exploring new uses for what would otherwise be discarded. Embrace these tips and discover the hidden value in your kitchen scraps!